Katerina Swanson
The Great Loop is a network of waterways that recreational boaters take to circumnavigate the eastern half of the United States. The trip ranges from 5,000 to 7,000 miles, depending on the route and detours, and usually takes about a year to complete. The type of boat chosen for the trip will have a huge effect on the budget, with fuel being a key expense. Most boats have a range of engines and can be powered by diesel or gasoline. The number of miles travelled per day and the number of days per week on the move will determine the fuel costs. Other factors that will impact the overall cost of the trip include food, docking fees, and boat maintenance.
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What You'll Learn
Fuel prices vary across the Great Loop
The Great Loop, a network of waterways circumnavigating the eastern half of the United States, offers a range of routes and detours, resulting in distances that can vary from 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Most "Loopers" aim for an average of 50 miles per day, with travel days ranging from 3 to 5 days a week. The choice between a displacement vessel with a single economic diesel engine or a planing hull with multiple higher-revving gas engines also affects fuel efficiency and cost per mile.
Fuel prices can vary depending on the location and the availability of fuel docks along the route. For example, the cost of diesel fuel can differ significantly across the Midwest rivers, the Northeast, and cities like New York City. Additionally, the frequency of refuelling and the distance between fuel docks can impact the overall fuel costs. It is recommended to have a boat with a range of at least a couple of hundred miles to avoid frequent refuelling stops.
The cost of fuel is just one aspect of the overall budget for the Great Loop journey. Other expenses include boat maintenance, boat insurance, docking or mooring fees, groceries, and dining experiences. Creating a budget and anchoring out can help control expenses, as marina fees can be a significant recurring cost.
By gathering information on engine hours, average speed, and distance travelled, individuals can estimate their fuel consumption and costs for the Great Loop. Additionally, resources like the AGLCA calculator and the Waterway Guide's fuel price reports can assist in planning and finding the best fuel prices during the journey.
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The type of boat affects fuel efficiency
The type of boat you choose for your Great Loop adventure can significantly impact your budget and overall experience. While there is no "best" boat for the journey, certain vessels are more suited to the task due to the route's unique characteristics and restrictions.
One crucial factor to consider is the number and type of engines on your boat. Displacement vessels, typically propelled by a single economical diesel engine, offer better fuel efficiency and a longer range. On the other hand, planing hulls with multiple higher-revving gas engines deliver more speed but are more expensive to run per mile. Express cruisers usually have twin or multiple engines, enabling quicker travel but compromising fuel efficiency.
The size and range of your boat's fuel tanks are also important considerations. In some sections of the Great Loop, the distances between fuel docks can be significant. Therefore, a boat with a range of at least a couple of hundred miles on one tank is ideal to avoid frequent refuelling stops. Boats with larger fuel tanks may provide greater range and efficiency, reducing the overall fuel cost for the journey.
Additionally, the overall size and draft of your boat can impact your ability to navigate certain sections of the route. The Great Loop includes various waterways, canals, and rivers with varying depths and clearance restrictions. A smaller, trailerable boat can offer maximum flexibility, allowing you to trailer it to different launch ramps and easily navigate shallow or narrow passages. However, larger boats with more spacious accommodations and amenities may provide a more comfortable experience for longer stays on the water.
Finally, the type of boat you choose can also influence your cruising speed and daily mileage. Most Loopers aim for 50 miles per day, travelling 3 to 5 days a week. A slower cruising speed can help you enjoy the sights and conserve fuel, while a faster boat may allow for quicker point-to-point travel to reach specific destinations or avoid unfavourable weather conditions.
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Fuel costs can be reduced by anchoring
The cost of fuel is a significant expense for anyone considering the Great Loop. Diesel fuel can cost hundreds of dollars per fill-up, and the number of engines on a boat can impact fuel efficiency. By anchoring, boaters can avoid the high costs of marinas, which can range from \$0.50 to \$6 per foot depending on location. Marinas in the Northeast, such as New York City, tend to be more expensive, while marinas in the Midwest can be more affordable.
In addition to anchoring, there are other ways to save on fuel costs. Boaters can do their research to find the best fuel prices and plan their route to take advantage of fuel docks. Boats with a range of at least a couple of hundred miles on one tank are ideal, as it gives boaters more flexibility in their journey. Recreational trawlers, for example, have good fuel economy and a respectable range.
Another way to reduce fuel costs is to consider the type of boat used for the Great Loop. While there is no "best" boat, some are more suited to the task than others due to route restrictions. Boats with multiple engines may not be fuel-efficient, and planing hulls with higher-revving gas engines will cost more to run per mile. Instead, displacement vessels with a single economic diesel engine may be more fuel-efficient.
Finally, boaters can also consider their cruising speed and the number of days spent travelling per week. Most boaters aim for 50 miles per day and travel between 3 to 5 days a week. By anchoring more often and spending fewer nights in marinas, boaters can significantly reduce their fuel costs and overall expenses for the Great Loop.
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Fuel is needed for cooking
Most boats have galleys that use two primary fuel sources for cooking: electricity and propane. Propane is used for stovetop and grill cooking, and fill-ups typically cost $5 to $10 per tank. Pump-outs, which are necessary for emptying waste tanks, can range from free to $10, with an average cost of $5. In Canada, pump-outs are more expensive, costing $15 per tank.
It is important to plan and budget for fuel costs when undertaking the Great Loop. Fuel prices can vary, and it is beneficial to research and compare prices ahead of time to find the best deals. Additionally, the distance between fuel docks can be significant, so a boat with a range of at least a few hundred miles on one tank is ideal.
The amount of fuel consumed will depend on factors such as the total distance traveled, average speed, engine hours, and number of miles travelled per day. By considering these factors, one can estimate how much fuel will be needed for the trip. Overall, fuel is a significant consideration when planning for the Great Loop, and proper planning and budgeting can help ensure a successful journey.
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Fuel prices change over time
The total fuel consumption for the Great Loop trip depends on the distance travelled, average speed, engine hours, and the number of days spent cruising per week. Most loopers aim for 50 miles per day, with cruising days ranging from 3 to 5 days a week. The choice between anchoring and staying at marinas also impacts fuel costs, as marinas charge per foot, and prices vary depending on the location. For instance, Liberty Landing Marina in New York City is one of the most expensive marinas at $6 per foot, while some midwest river marinas charge as little as $1 per foot.
To manage fuel costs, it is essential to plan and research fuel prices in advance. Resources like the Waterway Guide and the Local Notice to Mariners can help loopers find the best fuel deals and conserve fuel. Additionally, budgeting for other expenses, such as boat maintenance, insurance, and food, is crucial for a successful and cost-effective Great Loop journey.
The cost of fuel for the Great Loop can vary significantly depending on the boat's fuel efficiency, the distance travelled, and the prevailing fuel prices at the time of the journey. For example, one boater starting their Great Loop journey in Petoskey, Michigan, filled up their 211-gallon tank with 151 gallons of diesel fuel for $633. Their fuel costs for subsequent legs of the journey varied from $195.64 for 35 gallons to $573.66 for 134.6 gallons. These prices reflect the fuel costs in 2012, and current fuel prices may differ.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of fuelling a boat for the Great Loop depends on several factors, such as the boat's fuel efficiency, the distance travelled, the number of engines, and the current fuel prices. On average, most boats consume around 134.6 gallons of diesel fuel to travel 150 miles, costing around $573.66.
To save money on fuel for the Great Loop, consider the following tips:
- Choose a fuel-efficient boat: Select a boat with good fuel economy, such as a recreational trawler or a displacement vessel with a single economic diesel engine.
- Plan your route: Calculate the distance between fuel docks and ensure your boat has a range of at least a couple of hundred miles on one tank.
- Shop around for fuel prices: Use resources like the Waterway Guide to find the best fuel prices along your route.
- Anchor instead of docking: Spending nights at marinas can be expensive. Consider anchoring or staying at free docks to save on fuel and docking fees.
In addition to fuel costs, there are several other expenses to consider for the Great Loop:
- Boat maintenance and insurance
- Food and groceries: The cost of eating two meals a day at marinas or restaurants can add up quickly. Consider cooking your own meals on the boat to save money.
- Docking and mooring fees: These can vary from $0.50 to $6 per foot, depending on the location.
- Airfare and transportation: Factor in the cost of getting to and from your home to the boat.
